Blue-green algae, of which spirulina is a well-known example, is a group of 1,500 species of microscopic aquatic plants. The two most common species used for human consumption are Spirulina maxima and Spirulina platensis. Spirulina is particularly rich in protein and also contains carotenoids, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.

Where is it found?Blue-green algae grow in some lakes, particularly those rich in salts, in Central and South America, and Africa. They are also grown in outdoor tanks specifically to be harvested for nutritional supplements.

Who is likely to be deficient?As it is not an essential nutrient, blue-green algae is not associated with a deficiency state. However, people who do not consume several servings of vegetables per day could benefit from the carotenoids and other nutrients in blue-green algae. Since it is a complete protein, it can be used in place of some of the protein in a healthy diet. However, very large amounts are required to provide significant quantities of these nutrients from blue-green algae.

How much is usually taken?Blue-green algae can be taken as a powder or as flakes, capsules, or tablets. The typical manufacturer’s recommended intake is 2,000–3,000 mg per day divided throughout the day. However, typical amounts shown to have helpful properties in animal studies would be equivalent to 34 grams per day or more, for a 150-pound human.

Are there any side effects or interactions?Few side effects have been reported from the ingestion of blue-green algae. However, as blue-green algae can accumulate heavy metals from contaminated water, consuming blue-green algae could increase the body’s load of lead, mercury, and cadmium, though noncontaminated blue-green algae have been identified. Another popular species of blue-green algae, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, has been found to produce toxins. A few reports also describe allergic reactions to blue-green algae. Animal studies have found spirulina to be safe during pregnancy.

There is one case report of a man who developed liver damage while taking spirulina. As he was also talking three prescription medications, it is not clear whether the spirulina caused or contributed to the liver injury.

World renowned for an incredibly diverse selection of luscious flavors and energizing, revitalizing nutrition, SPIRU-TEIN vegetarian protein powder shakes have become the premier protein drink for quality-driven, health-conscious consumers. Fused with 100% of the Daily Value of all vitamins and a broad profile of minerals, energy nutrients, diet aids, enzymes, cleansing nutrients and fiber, SPIRU-TEIN is the world's most complete high protein energy meal.

There are more than 25 luscious Spiru-Tein protein powder flavors to satisfy your appetite! The silky, smooth texture and indulgent, decadent flavors impart pure sensory delight! One taste is all it takes to realize why Spiru-Tein is the world's greatest energizing protein shake ever!Original Spiru-Tein vegetarian protein powder is the only shake with an impressive 25+ years history of loyal customer satisfaction. Spriu-Tein's dedication to time-honored, proven quality delivers the healthful, energizing fulfillment you need to revitalize your senses and enjoy life to the fullest!

Spiru-Tein is a Healthy Heart FoodA rigorous evaluation by the U.S government has validated what many have known for years: cardiovascular fitness - soy protein (25g daily), combined with a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Each serving of Spiru-Tein provides 6.25 grams of soy protein

Simply Natural Spiru-TeinSmply, natural - and uniquely versatile. Available in 5 smooth, silky flavor bases, it's the unsweetened version of Original Spiru-Tein (with just 5 grams of carbs and 80 calories per serving). Make it your own special shake with favorite flavors, ingredients, and sweeteners of your choice!

Spiru-Tein GoldThe ultimate, energizing, soy-free vegetarian protein powder formula (with Gold Standard chia, rice, pea and flax proteins for optimal digestibility and complete nutrition. Spiru-Tein Gold is sweetened with xylitol to benefit low-glycemic dieters or anyone who wishes to eliminate sugars from the diet. In tantalizingly delicious flavors such as Banana Berry Blast and Chocolate Cherry, Spiru-Tein Gold builds on the solid foundation of Original Spiru-Tein, with more healthful nutrients and supplying higher levels of natural energy than ever before!

Spiru-Tein WheyShake High Protein Powder Spiru-Tein Whey is packed with the same high-powered profile of vitamins, minerals, diet aids, enzymes, spirulina and fiber as classic Spiru-Tein, yielding great-tasting, energy-enhancing shakes that support total health and vitality. Fueled with 14 grams of micro-filtered whey protein, Spiru-Tein Whey gives you energy to burn. With the signature nutrients and outstanding taste of Spiru-Tein, Spiru-Tein Whey is the pinnacle of whey protein energy meals!

Spiru-Tein Whey Sweetened for Low-Glycemic DietsNow you can supercharge low-glycemic diets with the power of whey protein! From the first silky, creamy sip, you realize that Sweetened for Low-Glycemic Diets Spiru-Tein Whey is no ordinary protein shake. Its luscious, old-fashioned shake taste rewards you with sensory bliss - smooth, velvety texture and rich, deep flavor.

About Nature's Plus

Nature's Plus has been considered the gold standard in Natural Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements for over 40 years.

The BeginningIn the early 1970s, when Gerald Kessler founded Nature's Plus, he had a clear vision of the kind of products he wanted to produce. Carefully studying the natural vitamin market, he observed that consumers were seeking energy and an enhanced quality of life from their vitamins. He knew that only a supplement made with superior ingredients and the highest standards of manufacturing could result in exceptional products with the energy-releasing results consumers demanded.

Over 1,200 Natural Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements LaterThey continue to fine-tune their products and raise the bar for quality and performance in their industry. Today Nature's Plus products are unsurpassed in their ability to release natural energy and provide the ultimate feeling of well-being. That's why they call them the "Energy Supplements."

The Nature's Plus Quality CommitmentNature's Plus has worked hard to earn the loyalty of millions of satisfied consumers and health food retailers worldwide with our emphasis on high quality at every stage - from manufacturing to on-time delivery to retailers:

Selection of the highest quality safe and natural ingredients

Over 1,200 natural vitamins and nutritional supplements to meet a wide variety of needs

Customized nutritional products for men, women and children that deliver maximum results

State-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Their facilities, which are FDA registered and NSF certified, maintain continuous adherence to cGMP compliance and superior standards through consistent review by their Quality teams.

Ongoing research and development continues to bring you and your family the most effective vitamins and supplements based on solid, scientific findings

Innovative vitamins and supplements enhanced with special combinations of ingredients for maximum health and energy benefits

100% Consumer Satisfaction Guarantee. Nature's Plus is committed to supplying superior quality natural vitamins and nutritional supplements that meet the high-energy demands of their customers without shortcuts or compromise.

By Carol
(Janesville
, WI
)

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by contributors of the product reviews are their own and not necessarily those of LuckyVitamin.com. LuckyVitamin.com does not endorse or imply any medical claims from these reviews. These reviews should not be taken as recommendations but rather customer opinions of the products that they may or may not have used. Reviews are not intended as a substitute for appropriate medical care or advice and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Read the full product reviews disclaimer here.

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About Nature's Plus

Energy and an enhanced quality of life are what the consumer is seeking in the natural vitamin market. Only a supplement made with the highest quality ingredients and the highest standards of manufacturing can offer consumers the energy-releasing results they demand. Nature’s Plus supplements are known as the energy supplements because the standards of excellence practiced by the nature’s plus family result in products that are unsurpassed in their ability to release natural energy and provide the ultimate feeling of well-being.

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